Ornamental Grass vs Purple Fountain Grass Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Ornamental Grass
Pennisetum setaceum
Pennisetum setaceum, commonly known as Fountain Grass, is a perennial grass prized for its graceful, arching foliage and bottlebrush-like flower plumes. Typically grown as an annual in cooler climates, it forms dense clumps of slender, linear leaves. The flower plumes, which appear in late summer and fall, add significant ornamental value. While primarily an outdoor plant, it is sometimes grown indoors, though it requires very bright light to thrive. Fountain grass is popular for its texture, movement in the wind, and overall aesthetic appeal in gardens and landscapes.
Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
Purple Fountain Grass is a striking ornamental grass prized for its arching, burgundy-purple foliage and bottlebrush-like flower plumes. It typically grows in a mounded form, reaching several feet in height and width. While technically a perennial in warmer climates, it is often grown as an annual in cooler regions due to its sensitivity to frost. It is primarily an outdoor plant, grown for its dramatic texture and color in gardens and landscapes. People grow it for its ornamental value, adding movement and visual interest to borders, containers, and mass plantings.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Ornamental Grass | Purple Fountain Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size | Every 7-10 days, depending on weather and soil drainage |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 20-50% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 18-30°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 0.6-1.2 meters (indoors, typically smaller) | Outdoor: 0.6-1.5 meters. Indoor (unlikely to thrive): 0.3-0.6 meters |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining soil; a mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite is suitable | Well-draining soil, such as a sandy loam or a potting mix amended with perlite |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Ornamental Grass
| Scientific Name | Pennisetum setaceum |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native To | Tropical Africa, Southwest Asia, Arabian Peninsula |
| Also Known As | Fountain Grass, Crimson Fountain Grass, Purple Fountain Grass |
| Leaves | The leaves are slender, linear, and typically green or purple, depending on the cultivar. They have a slightly rough texture and arch gracefully from the base of the plant. |
| Flowers | While it can flower indoors under ideal conditions, it is less common than when grown outdoors. The flowers are bottlebrush-like plumes, typically pink, purple, or white, and appear in late summer and fall. |
Purple Fountain Grass
| Scientific Name | Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native To | Hybrid cultivar; species native to Africa, Southwest Asia |
| Also Known As | Purple Fountain Grass, Red Fountain Grass |
| Leaves | The leaves are long, narrow, and arching, with a deep burgundy-purple color. They have a fine texture and create a graceful, flowing appearance. |
| Flowers | It produces bottlebrush-like flower plumes that are initially a deep burgundy-purple, fading to a tan color as they mature. Flowering typically occurs in summer and fall. It is unlikely to flower indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Ornamental Grass
Purple Fountain Grass
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Ornamental Grass
Methods: Seed, Division
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: For seed propagation, sow seeds indoors in early spring. For division, separate clumps in spring or fall, ensuring each division has healthy roots and shoots.
Purple Fountain Grass
Methods: Seed, Division
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide clumps in spring or early summer. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Ornamental Grass
Its graceful, arching foliage and bottlebrush-like flower plumes make it a visually striking plant. The movement of the foliage in the wind adds a dynamic element to landscapes and indoor spaces. While often grown as an annual, it can be overwintered indoors with proper care.
- ✓ Adds visual interest and texture to indoor spaces
- ✓ Can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere
- ✓ Provides a touch of the outdoors indoors
- ✓ Offers a unique aesthetic compared to typical houseplants
- ✓ Can be used as a focal point in a room
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Purple Fountain Grass
Its deep purple foliage and graceful, arching habit make it a standout in any garden. The bottlebrush-like flower plumes add further visual interest and movement.
- ✓ Adds visual interest and texture to the garden
- ✓ Attracts birds
- ✓ Drought tolerant
- ✓ Deer resistant
- ✓ Provides movement in the landscape
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Ornamental Grass
Purple Fountain Grass
🌞 Light Requirements
Ornamental Grass
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Purple Fountain Grass
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Ornamental Grass
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In containers, ensure proper drainage. Signs of underwatering include drooping or browning leaves; overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and a soggy soil.
Purple Fountain Grass
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of underwatering include drooping or browning leaves. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Ornamental Grass
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Purple Fountain Grass
Temperature: 18-30°C
Humidity: 20-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Ornamental Grass
Pennisetum setaceumExperienced gardeners who can provide the necessary sunlight and care for this outdoor plant indoors.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a visually striking plant with graceful, arching foliage.
- You appreciate the texture and movement that ornamental grasses bring to a space.
- You have a very sunny indoor location or are willing to use grow lights.
- You enjoy the bottlebrush-like flower plumes that appear in late summer and fall.
- You are an experienced gardener who enjoys a challenge.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited sunlight indoors.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You prefer low-maintenance plants.
Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'Gardeners looking for a dramatic ornamental grass to add color and texture to their landscape.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a striking focal point in your garden.
- You need a drought-tolerant plant for a sunny location.
- You desire a plant with beautiful purple foliage and plumes.
- You want to attract birds to your garden.
- You need a deer-resistant plant.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a cold climate and don't want to treat it as an annual.
- You don't have a sunny location.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Ornamental Grass needs full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily), while Purple Fountain Grass prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Ornamental Grass Care Tips
Fountain Grass is primarily an outdoor plant and requires full sun to thrive. Growing it indoors is challenging due to its high light requirements. It needs well-draining soil, regular watering, and occasional fertilization. Indoor plants will likely be smaller and less vigorous than those grown outdoors.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, supplementing with grow lights if necessary.
- Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Prune back dead or damaged foliage regularly to maintain its appearance.
Purple Fountain Grass Care Tips
Purple Fountain Grass is primarily an outdoor plant and will struggle indoors due to its high light requirements. It needs full sun and well-draining soil. While it can be grown in containers, it requires regular watering and fertilization. Overwintering indoors is possible in colder climates, but the plant may not thrive.
- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
- Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Ornamental Grass
Purple Fountain Grass
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Ornamental Grass
What are the light requirements for Ornamental Grass?
Ornamental grasses require ample sunlight to thrive and produce their characteristic flower plumes. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing window is ideal for indoor plants. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, poor flowering, and faded foliage color. If your grass is not receiving enough natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Some varieties can tolerate partial shade, but full sun is generally preferred for optimal performance. Observe your plant closely and adjust its location as needed to provide the best possible light conditions.
How do I care for Ornamental Grass?
Ornamental grasses thrive with regular care. Provide them with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize sparingly in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and bloom production. Prune back dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage. Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly. Repot container-grown grasses every few years to refresh the soil and provide more space for roots. Maintain moderate humidity levels, especially for indoor plants.
How do I propagate Ornamental Grass?
Ornamental grasses can be propagated through division. In early spring or fall, dig up the plant and carefully separate the root ball into smaller clumps. Each clump should have healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until new growth emerges. Stem cuttings are less common but can be taken in spring. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth, remove lower leaves, and root in water or moist potting mix. Keikis (small plantlets that grow on the flower stalks) are rare but can be carefully removed and potted up. Provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture to encourage rooting.
Purple Fountain Grass
What are the light requirements for Purple Fountain Grass?
Purple Fountain Grass requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and develop its characteristic vibrant purple foliage and abundant flower plumes. Insufficient sunlight can lead to leggy growth, faded color, and reduced flowering. When planting, choose a location that receives full sun throughout the day. If growing in containers, rotate the plant regularly to ensure even sun exposure on all sides. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent scorching, but avoid placing it in deep shade, which will hinder its growth. Supplemental lighting may be necessary if grown indoors during winter months.
How do I care for Purple Fountain Grass?
Purple Fountain Grass thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Prune away dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. In colder climates, treat it as an annual or bring it indoors during the winter. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Regularly inspect for pests like aphids or spider mites, and treat accordingly. Avoid planting in overly compacted or poorly draining soil. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Protect from strong winds.
How do I propagate Purple Fountain Grass?
Purple Fountain Grass can be propagated by division. In early spring, carefully dig up the plant and divide the root ball into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until the new plants are established. Division is the most reliable method. Seed propagation is possible but can be inconsistent in producing plants true to the ‘Rubrum’ cultivar. Stem cuttings are not typically used for propagating this grass. Keikis are not applicable as this plant doesn’t produce them. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases after dividing.
Last updated: May 3, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.